Liberstad, Norway’s “Private City”, Attracts Investors From All Over the World

There has been a growing trend across the world in that and more people are seeking to distance themselves from capitalism and everything that comes with a capitalistic system. One good example is Atlantic Station, a private settlement in the City of Atlanta, Georgia. Another more controversial example is the Free Republic of Liberland, which has been established in the disputed territory between Serbia and Croatia.

The latest development in this trend is the “private city” of Liberstad in Norway. It has already attracted hundreds of investors from all over the world, and hundreds more are expected to join.

Doing Away With Capitalism

Liberstad has been built on the idea that capitalism is a means of oppression and control. In fact, its developers are marketing it with slogans such as Taxation is Theft!, and it promises to guarantee protection of life, property, and freedom, among other things.

One of the most interesting things about Liberstad is that its developers, John Holmesland and Sondre Bjellas, are accepting payments in form of cryptocurrency. They accept over 27 types of cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin Cash and Bitcoin Core, among others. This too is symbolic, since cryptocurrencies have been hailed as the currencies of the future and the solution to run-away capitalism and government control. The plots are also affordable, with prices ranging from $9,000 to over $47,000, depending on factors such as size and location.

Liberstad will be located on farmland that is near the Norwegian city of Kristiansand in Southern Norway. Preparations will be complete within two years, after which investors can move in.

Private “Public” Services

Being a “private city”, Liberstad will need all the infrastructure, amenities, and resources of an ordinary city. Holmesland has acknowledged this, and together with his partner, he plans to set up “public” services that will essentially be private. Some of the services that will be set up include a private police force, water utility, and a fire department among others. It is not clear how this will be achieved – that is, whether residents will need to contribute to resources or not.

Hurdles to Overcome

Speaking to local news outlets about their plans, Liberstad’s developers announced that local authorities had granted permission for the establishment of the private city. However, there are still many legal and social hurdles that will arise along the way.

Several Norwegian officials have already dismissed the idea of Liberstad. Labor Party deputy Kari Henriksen said that people can come and settle in the land, but also added that establishing a state within a state is not realistic, according to local media reports.